The third edition of the Sri Lanka Air Force “Culinary Arts Competition 2026” concluded successfully today (22 August 2026) at Sigiriya, under the patronage of Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Chefs’ Association of Sri Lanka in accordance with World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) standards, the competition aimed to enhance the professional skills, creativity and knowledge of culinary personnel while providing a platform to demonstrate culinary excellence. The Overall Team Championship was secured by the team from SLAF Base Katunayake, with SLAF Base Ratmalana emerging as runner-up. Corporal Dhananjaya of SLAF Headquarters, Sri Jayewardenepura, received the Most Prominent Mixologist Award, while Civil Servant M. B. S. P. Kumara was adjudged the Most Outstanding Culinary Master.

The competition featured 325 competitors participating in 422 competitive events, bringing together culinary professionals from the Tri-Services, leading hotels in the Cultural Triangle and school students from the Central and North Central Provinces. In addition to fostering healthy competition, the event facilitated valuable knowledge-sharing and professional development by enabling novice chefs and young participants to interact with experienced culinary professionals and gain exposure to international standards. Conducted in the culturally significant destination of Sigiriya, the festival also attracted local and foreign tourists, contributing to its cultural and tourism significance while reaffirming the Sri Lanka Air Force’s commitment to nurturing culinary excellence, innovation and emerging talent.